New owners double the size of JT Cycles in Battle Creek

The new owners at JT Cycle in Battle Creek, Mich., are inviting the community in for an open house Nov. 12 at the store's newly doubled space.

The business did not moved from the site it has occupied for three decades. Instead, it took over the former JT Hobby business next door.

"We want the environment to be less cramped and to let people walk around the bikes," new owner Dale Kwasniewski told the Battle CreekEnquirer.

Former owner Jerry Merritt added franchises over the last four years, making space tight in the showroom. The dealership started with Suzuki and E-Ton vehicles, and added Arctic Cat, Husqvarna, Kawasaki and Yamaha. When the hobby shop moved to a larger space two months ago, new owner Kwasneiwsky seized the moment.

"It boiled down to the fact that we both needed more room and which shop was easier to move," said Nick Gordier, who manages the vehicle business.

The store has been overhauled with a remodeled interior and bathrooms, new ceilings, signs and displays. Open office space was enclosed.

Kwasniewski said he plans to continue growing the business with web-based promotions, and credited Gordier for his work in keeping JT Cycle's Facebook page active and timely. "People find us through the web now," Kwasniewski said. The website for the business is at www.jtcyclebcmi.com.

Merritt reportedly plans to continue on as an adviser to Kwasniewski and Gordier. "I'm not on the payroll," he said. "I'll just help them through, based on my experience, and dealing with the rough spots because of the economic times."